Valerie Wilson Wesley

Valerie Wilson Wesley is a highly respected African-American author, born on November 22, 1947, in Connecticut, USA. She is renowned for her work in mystery, adult-themed, nonfiction, and children's book genres. Wesley served as an executive editor for Essence magazine before becoming a full-time author. She grew up in Ashford, Connecticut, and went on to earn her master's degree from the Columbia Graduate Journalism School at the Bank Street Education College, after graduating from Howard University. Wesley currently resides in Montclair, New Jersey, with her husband, Richard Wesley, a playwright and screenwriter, and their two daughters.

Wesley's Tamara Hayle mystery series has brought her considerable success. Her writing has been featured in various publications, including Family Circle, The New York Times, Essence, Ms., Tv Guide, and Die Weltwoche. Apart from mystery novels, Wesley writes children's books, such as the Willimena Rules! series, and has also ventured into paranormal romance under the pen name Savanna Welles. Her paranormal romance books, When the Night Whispers and The Moon Tells Secrets, showcase her versatility as an author.

Valerie Wilson Wesley has made significant contributions to the world of literature with her captivating storytelling and diverse range of genres. Her African-American heritage is often reflected in her work, providing valuable representation and contributing to a more inclusive literary landscape. Her ability to create engaging stories across various genres has solidified her position as a respected and influential author in the industry.
Odessa Jones Books
# Title Year
1 A Glimmer of Death 2021
2 A Fatal Glow 2022
3 A Shimmer of Red 2023
Tamara Hayle Books
# Title Year
1 When Death Comes Stealing 1994
2 Devil's Gonna Get Him 1995
3 Where Evil Sleeps 1996
4 No Hiding Place 1997
5 Easier to Kill 1998
6 The Devil Riding 2000
7 Dying in the Dark 2004
8 Of Blood and Sorrow 2008
Willimena Rules! Books
# Title Year
1 How to Lose Your Cookie Money 2000
2 How to Lose Your Class Pet 2003
3 How to Fish for Trouble 2004
4 How to Ruin Your School Play 2005
5 23 Ways to Mess Up Valentine's Day 2005
6 How to Face Up to the Class Bully 2007
7 9 Steps to the Best, Worst, Greatest Holiday Ever! 2008
8 How to Have the Best Kwanzaa Ever 2009
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 Where Do I Go from Here? 1993
2 Freedom's Gifts 1997
3 Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do 1999
4 No Way of Dying 2002
5 Always True to You in My Fashion 2002
6 Playing My Mother's Blues 2005